Highlands to get Swiss air link

new summer route from inverness to zurich to begin next year

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Flights direct from the Highlands to the mountains of Switzerland are taking off in the spring.

A new direct air route is to be trialled for a three-year period from 2010 linking Inverness with Zurich.

The weekend charter service, assisted by public funding, will operate between the Highland capital and Zurich from May 15 to September 18.

It will be backed by development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL). Falcontravel aims to run a once-a-week service. The company is part of a network of Swiss travel agents.

Flights are planned for Saturdays with a 100-seat plane bringing up to 2,000 visitors to the area per year.

Falcontravel will offer package trips ranging from budget holidays to luxury breaks.

Speaking at last night’s Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards in Inverness, First Minister Alex Salmond said: “This is great news for the Highlands and islands which can provide a welcome boost to leisure, tourism, retail and other sectors across the region.

“The Highlands and island have much to offer the world, and will provide a warm welcome to visitors from Switzerland. Those flying in from Zurich can look forward to fantastic scenery and wildlife, adventure sports, historic buildings and festivals right across the region.”

Alex Paterson of HIE added: “Tourism is a priority sector and the addition of a further charter flight from Europe to Inverness is a welcome boost to the industry.”